NY Jets: A look at the 2016 schedule

The NY Jets take on five of the eight NFL Playoff teams in what is looking like a much tougher schedule come next season.

The Jets ended the 2015 season 10-6, a huge difference from their previous 4-12 record from the year before. However, even with a turn-around season, the Jets faced much scrutiny stating their outstanding record was due to an “easy” schedule.

Looking ahead to the 2016 season, the Jets have an opportunity to match-up against some of the league’s most competitive teams. Aside from the normal divisional games against the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, the Jets will be taking on the AFC North and the NFC West as well as the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs.

The AFC North consists of the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who may I remind you, beat the Jets for the last Wild Card spot this season. The NFC West is made up of the St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers.

More from The Jet Press

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• NY Jets expected to be ‘much more aggressive’ in free agency this year
• NY Jets: Patriots will not use the franchise tag on Joe Thuney
• NY Jets officially place the franchise tag on safety Marcus Maye

Oddly enough, the Jets’ 2016 schedule includes five of the eight teams in the NFL Playoffs this weekend; Seattle Seahawks, Patriots, Steelers, Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals. Keep in mind the Jets also play the Cincinnati Bengals who nearly beat the Steelers in Saturday night’s Wild Card face-off.

As if those games weren’t enough to be concerned about, their schedule also includes the Colts and Ravens. Yes, I know these teams didn’t make it to the playoffs, or offer much of a challenge to their opponents, but they each have strong quarterbacks returning after injuries; Andrew Luck and Joe Flacco respectively.

More jets: What went right in 2015 for the Jets?

During this off season, the Jets will need to conquer their weaknesses and build upon their strengths as they prepare for a challenging 2016 season. Next season will be a statement year for the Jets as we patiently await to see what the future holds for our boys in green and white.